The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-03
A HOLY KISS.
Episode in the Life of n Truly Remarkably
CLERGYMAN.

Episode in the Life of n Truly Remarkably
| Clergyman.
He was tall and angular, and extremely grave
| He wore q suit of black broadcloth and snowy
| linen AS became his dignity as Gle rgy man Ht
| sat erect in one corner of the sofa, with both
| feet placed soua-ely on the floor and his fingers
| interlocked before him. :.
She was rather below the medium size. Her
| hair was combed smoothly back and coiled in 1,
| simple knot behind. Her dress was devoid Of
| ruffie or plating. but scrupulousiy neat in its
| simplicity. She sat at the further enc OF the
| sofa with her eyes modestly fastened upon hef
| folded hands.
Silence reiRned.
| Tho clock licked in slow measure, as It duly
| impressed with the sclsmnity of the OCCASION
The cat by the hearth washed her face indus
triousy blinked her sleepy eyes at the two on the
sofs, and then cured herself up Tor a quiet nap.
He turned himself partly toward her. and his
eyes rested upon her with satisfaction his lips
MARY"
She raised her eyes to his face.
"Do you remember it is seven years tonight
since our betrothaW
Mary's eyes fell to her hands again as she MUIR
mured
"Ies, remember"
A long pause. in which Mary changed the fold
ing OF har hands. Again he spoke gravey:
though you knew mel AS if you could trust
mes These seven years have been years OF
peacs and pleasure. have they not, MaryY'
"Oh, yes" sighed Mary.
'Mary. it has come to me that this Is quite
BETTING time to seal our betrothal"
Mary in doubt raised her eyes to his
HAS the thought come to you, Maryf
But still Mary looked at nim IN wonder He
shifted his position little and then tried to
make his thought more plain to her.
Mary, you remem ber in che Bible they used
signs of affection use not. Does 1t not seem
befitting we should follow the example given US
and greet each other with holy kissP
Mary's eyes fell to her hands again
Speak. Mary; what is your thought on tbs
subject"
Thus appealed to. Mary answered.:
"As you think best always, Joseph"
He rose to his full height from the sofa, and
took step toward her. Mary rose also. and
stood with downcast eyes and clasped hands be-
fore him. The still sleeping. He took
a step nearer and took her hand lightly in his.
The color began to mount to her face
shall it be tomorrow night. Mary|
'As you like. Joseph"
cat oclock9'
"At T." said Mary, and he left her.
The next night Mary, feeling rather more I'M
easy than usual, sat at her knitting and watched
the hands of the clock. just as the hands pointed
exactly at o'clock the knocker of the front door
rose and fell. She laid aside her knitting and /,
went with outward calmness to let him in as
usual. He left his outside coat in the hail. and
they came into the room together. He glanced
at the clock.
'Tt is T. You remember of what
speaking last evening, Mary? Shall we ask
blessing that it may prove all we may anticipate;
that we may not be disappointedP
They knott while he put the petition.
Aud now, they rose from their knees, he
her, and the trying ordeal was
passed through with.
It must have proved most satisfactory. for
when il had been repeated several times, Joseph
exclaimed:
THAT ia good What we have missed these
seven years! Let us return thanks"